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ICS calls proposed BC crude ban ‘draconian’

Plans to establish moratorium on crude shipments in north of Canadian province raises freedom of navigation concerns.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has lashed out at Canada's plans to impose a moratorium on crude shipments in northwest Canada.

Secretary General Peter Hinchliffe used a letter to Transport Minister Marc Garneau to emphasise Canada's treaty obligations to ensure freedom of navigation in its territorial waters.

"We believe that a moratorium applicable to Canadian waters would be draconian step that could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada's international trading partners," wrote Hinchliffe, whose organisation includes the Canadian Shipowners’ Association and the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia as members.

"Such a measure would set an unwelcome precedent that might be emulated elsewhere, including by individual US States, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade as well as that of Canada."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured at right) tasked Garneau with formalising a moratorium on crude tanker traffic on British Columbia's north coast as he took office in November.

Transport Canada says the minister has been meeting with indigenous groups, environmental groups and industry to seek views on the proposed ban.

"These consultations will inform a government decision on how to advance the tanker moratorium and measures to enhance marine safety, protect the environment and communities and support inclusive economic development," the ministry said in a statement provided to TradeWinds.

"Our worst fears have materialised. It's time for Canada to move forward on its promise to ban crude oil tankers on the BC coast,” said Kelly Russ, who heads the Coastal First Nations coalition of BC indigenous groups.

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ICS calls proposed BC crude ban ‘draconian’

Plans to establish moratorium on crude shipments in north of Canadian province raises freedom of navigation concerns.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has lashed out at Canada's plans to impose a moratorium on crude shipments in northwest Canada.

Secretary General Peter Hinchliffe used a letter to Transport Minister Marc Garneau to emphasise Canada's treaty obligations to ensure freedom of navigation in its territorial waters.

"We believe that a moratorium applicable to Canadian waters would be draconian step that could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada's international trading partners," wrote Hinchliffe, whose organisation includes the Canadian Shipowners’ Association and the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia as members.

"Such a measure would set an unwelcome precedent that might be emulated elsewhere, including by individual US States, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade as well as that of Canada."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured at right) tasked Garneau with formalising a moratorium on crude tanker traffic on British Columbia's north coast as he took office in November.

Transport Canada says the minister has been meeting with indigenous groups, environmental groups and industry to seek views on the proposed ban.

"These consultations will inform a government decision on how to advance the tanker moratorium and measures to enhance marine safety, protect the environment and communities and support inclusive economic development," the ministry said in a statement provided to TradeWinds.

"Our worst fears have materialised. It's time for Canada to move forward on its promise to ban crude oil tankers on the BC coast,” said Kelly Russ, who heads the Coastal First Nations coalition of BC indigenous groups.